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We love our teeth. It is a god gifted thing which we love to take utmost caring of. But we are unaware that our daily habits can cause more damage than good to our teeth than we realise.
Our busy lives are filled with activity based on speed and convenience, like grabbing food and drink on-the-go, finding the quickest ways of getting things done, and playing sports without a care in the world.
But most if not all of this daily activity is done without giving much thought to your teeth, and you might not realise how these bad habits are affecting both your smile and your oral health.
Dr Sameer Patel, Clinical Director at specialist dental and orthodontic practice Elleven highlights the biggest offending habits which are detrimental to the quality of our teeth.
Sipping of sugary drinks
The statistics and evidence surrounding the damage fizzy drinks do to your teeth is unprecedented, however don’t just think it’s solely fizzy drinks which cause your teeth damage. With the juicing trend and Nutri-Bullet craze in full swing, green smoothies are all the rage for breakfast, snacking or for a post-gym nutritional boost. But, in reality consuming large quantities doesn’t do your oral health any favours.
Dr Patel said: "These green juices and smoothies are made by blending leafy green vegetables with fruit to sweeten the taste. The juice from fruit and vegetables, especially fruit, tend to have a high acid content which severely damages the enamel of your teeth in a similar way to fizzy drinks. Although fruit and vegetables are considered healthy acids, this is only the case when they are consumed as a whole, rather than as a concentrated juice. Adding milk, which is alkaline, to your smoothies can help to counteract the acid damage to teeth and its calcium rich properties can boost your oral health and strengthen teeth.
"Fruit’s natural sugar, fructose, is also a common cause of cavities as the bacteria in the mouth feed on it, so be careful when you do consume juice as part of a balanced diet. Try to keep these drinks to a minimum and also make sure you drink through a straw. It is always best to try to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming a green smoothie."
Chewing on ice
Dr Patel said: "Chewing on hard, frozen ice cubes can chip or even crack your teeth, as the pressure and sudden change in temperature can place stress on the tooth enamel, causing it to crack. A serious crack can even compromise the pulp or nerve within the tooth which can result in abscesses or tooth infection. It can also irritate the soft tissue inside your tooth, which may result in regular toothaches. Next time you get the urge for ice, reach for the sugarless chewing gum instead to avoid stress on the tooth enamel."
Mouth piercings
The trend for mouth piercings including the tongue, lips and cheeks, is causing serious dental issues and complications amongst the younger population. These are extensive problems which can occur such as infection, pain and swelling, prolonged bleeding caused by puncturing the blood vessels, as well as problems with normal oral function such as speaking, eating and swallowing.
Dr Patel said: "Oral piercings can also cause gum recession which can lead to bone loss and leave teeth more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. These complications are often caused by incessantly playing with the piercing, making it more likely to cause irritation. Playing with oral piercings has also been known to damage existing caps or crowns or leave people with chipped or cracked tooth enamel. Your safest bet to avoid the complications of mouth piercings is to avoid them all together. However, if you already have a piercing or are determined to get one, then ensure that you keep them clean, and alert your dentist at the first sign of any pain or discomfort."
Popcorn
Popcorn has gone from snack food to superfood and has quickly become a go-to item for celebrities and the general public to embrace low-calorie snacking on a daily basis. However, when you take a bite into one of those un-cracked kernels there’s a high risk of breaking or cracking a tooth. It’s also practically impossible not to get popcorn stuck in between your teeth, and if those tiny bits become lodged, it can lead to infection and even an abscess.
Dr Patel said: "Make sure you watch out for those un-cracked kernels and ensure you are flossing thoroughly at least two to three times a week to remove bacteria and dislodge trapped food like popcorn. If you do not floss you are only cleaning a third of the tooth and could be at risk of tooth decay."
Using your teeth as a tool
If you frequently use your teeth as a quick and convenient shortcut for removing a clothes label or for twisting off bottle caps, you could very quickly find yourself causing permanent dental damage and seeking dental treatment.
Dr Patel said: "People often use their teeth as tools used for cutting, ripping and opening various objects, however this can cause serious stress and damage to the structure and strength of your teeth. Using your teeth as a tool carries the risk of fracturing a tooth. More specifically if you are using your back teeth, this has the danger of damaging a filling or crown. When the tooth becomes damaged, chips, fractures or cracks can appear which can cause tooth decay to take place and sensitivity to increase. In this instance, serious cases will require patients to have their broken tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant. To limit this from happening don’t take shortcuts or comprise your teeth’s health, and use appropriate methods for opening objects."
Regular cups of hot tea and coffee
As the cold winter weather draws in you may automatically reach for a hot cup of coffee as soon as you arrive into work. But did you know this sudden change in temperature from coming in from the cold can cause cracks in the surface of the teeth? Like with several cold and icy drinks, the tooth enamel becomes stressed and as a result cracks. Although these cracks may not be visible, when paired with drinks such as tea or coffee, these cracks become visible through staining. Drinking extremely hot and cold drinks can also trigger toothache or may trigger quick sharp jabs of pain, so make sure you wait until your drink is of a suitable drinking temperature.
It is fairly well know that drinks such as tea and coffee are some of the worst culprits for teeth staining. The staining is amplified when these drinks are consumed on a regular basis as the tanning compounds build up and cause teeth to turn a yellowish colour. Tea and coffee can also lead to bad breath caused by the caffeine found within them which leads to poor hydration and encourages bacteria to increase.
Dr Patel said: "To avoid the problems associated with staining and bad breath, rinse the mouth with water after consumption, to wash away the tannins and rehydrate the mouth. Water also contains the added benefit of mineral fluoride which makes teeth more resilient to acid erosion and decay. Alternatively, you could swap your tea or coffee for caffeine-free herbal tea or green tea - which contains polyphenols, as research has found can slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease and has the potential to clean plaque from the teeth."
Playing sport without a mouth guard
It is evident that those who play sport, most notably contact sports, are more susceptible to damaging their teeth, with sporting injuries noted as one of the leading causes for adult tooth loss. As a result, dentist such as Dr Sameer Patel are urging people to ensure they wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth.
There are a variety of mouth guards available for purchase on the market with some available off the shelf and others which can be custom-made and fitted by an expert dental professional. It is also advised that when cleaning your mouth guard after use always use fluoride toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush. You should also keep your mouth guard in its protective case, avoid chewing on it, and keep it out of hot conditions such as the sun and hot water.
Dr Patel said: "At the start of every sporting season make sure you replace your mouth guard in case it has become damaged or weakened from extensive use. It is also recommended that you get your mouth guard properly fitted by a dental professional where possible, as this allows for maximum protection for your teeth."
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